Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (May 12, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Let's begin our conversation. First of all, I have an announcement to make and thereafter we will take questions from you. This is regarding BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting under our chairship. India will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 14th and 15th May 2026. The meeting will be chaired by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. BRICS Foreign Ministers and heads of delegations from member and partner countries will participate in the meeting.

They will also call on Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narenda Modi. During the meeting, the foreign ministers of BRICS member countries will exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. On the second day, BRICS members and partner countries will participate in a session, themed "BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." This will be followed by a session on the reforms of global governance and multilateral system. The BRICS Foreign Ministers held their last meeting on the margins of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September 2025. The meeting was chaired by India in its capacity as the incoming chair for BRICS 2026. This will also go out as a press release, so you can refer to it subsequently.

With that, we open the floor.

Kavita Joshi, Haribhoomi Newspaper: Sir, mein Kavita Joshi hoon, Haribhoomi Newspaper se. Abhi apne jaise bataya ki BRICS Foreign Ministers ki meeting hone wali hai. Toh mera sawal hai ki kya BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting mein Iran, UAE ka kis tarah ka participation rahega, kya unke videsh mantri aa rahe hai, unka delegation aa raha hai ya unke koi representatives honge? Agar aap bata paye? Sir, ek chota sa clarification aur mein aap se puchna chahoogi ki Foreign Secretary ka abhi isi week Nepal ka visit hone wala tha, lekin suddenly woh visit jo hai ruk gaya hai ya postpone ho gaya hai, cancel ho gaya hai? Kya usko lekar ke Nepal ke jo Pradhan Mantri hai unhone mulakaat se mana kar diya? Aap agar is pe kuch clarity humein de paye? Thank you.

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, I am Kavita Joshi from Haribhoomi Newspaper. You just mentioned that the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting is going to take place. So, my question is: what kind of participation will Iran and the UAE have in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting? Will their Foreign Ministers be attending, or will their delegations come, or will they have some representatives there? If you could clarify that. Sir, I would also like to ask for a small clarification regarding the Foreign Secretary's proposed visit to Nepal that was supposed to happen this week. It now seems that the visit has either been halted, postponed, or cancelled suddenly. Is it true that Nepal's Prime Minister declined the meeting? If you could provide some clarity on this, it would be helpful. Thank you.

Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, on BRICS, how many Foreign Ministers have confirmed their participation for the meeting, and are we also looking for a joint statement post the meeting?

Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. There have been protests in different parts of Bangladesh against India. There is a sloganeering that you shouldn't buy Indian products. And also they are unhappy with the results in the West Bengal elections. They have been accusing them of a whole lot of things. Anything that MEA has to say on that?

Huma Siddiqui: I am Huma Siddiqui. Sir, do we have a list of some countries which have sent their application for the BRICS membership, which will be taken up in September?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: List of countries?

Huma Siddiqui: Yeah, apparently there are 40 countries which have expressed their desire to join the BRICS group.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, pehle Kavitha aap ka sawaal ki BRICS Foreign Ministers mein kaun kaun log bhag le rahe hai. Jaise maine kaha 14 aur 15 taareeq ko yeh videsh mantri - BRICS videsh mantri ki baitak ho rahi hai jiskji adhyakshata hum log kar rahe hai. Jaha tak desho ka aap ne zikr kiya unki taraf se kaun aayega, yeh toh khair unko thay karna hai. Lekin jaise jaise log aayenge aapko pata chal jaayega kaun unke netrutva kar rahe hai, kaun log usme bhaag le rahe hai.

Dusra sawal aap ka Nepal ko leke tha. Dekhiye Nepal ke saath maine pehle bhi kaha hai ki hamare rishte ek bahu ayamik kism ke hai. Jab waha election hua nahi, sarkar bani, humare pradhan mantri ne - unse baat ki aur yeh kaha ki humare dono deshon ke rishte jo itne purane hai, parivarik rishte, gram joshi bhare rishte hai, isko hum aur mazboot karenge aur apni pratibhata ko hum logon ne jataaya. Uske baad hamare videsh mantri ki baat cheet hui wahan ke videsh mantri se. Donon ki mulakaat Mauritius mein hui thi. Waha par ek anya baitak, uske sideline mein. Uske baad videsh mantri ko unke taraf se nyuta aaya hai Nepal jaane ka. Jahan tak waha jaane ki baat hai, iski dates dono taraf ki mutual convenience ke hisaab se ki aayegi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] So first, Kavitha, your question was about who all are participating in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. As I said, on the 14th and 15th, this meeting of the BRICS Foreign Ministers is taking place, which we are chairing. As far as the countries you mentioned are concerned, who will come from their side is for them to decide. But as people arrive, you will come to know who is leading their delegations and who all are participating in it.

Your second question was regarding Nepal. Look, as I have said before, our relationship with Nepal is multi-sectoral. When the elections were held there and the government was formed, our Prime Minister spoke with them and said that the ties between our two countries are very old - familial ties, warm and close relations - and that we will strengthen them further. We expressed our commitment towards this. After that, our External Affairs Minister had discussions with Nepal's Foreign Minister. The two met in Mauritius on the sidelines of another meeting there. Subsequently, an invitation has come from their side for the External Affairs Minister to visit Nepal. As far as the visit is concerned, the dates will be worked out according to the mutual convenience of both sides.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: We shared multi-faceted partnership with Nepal. After the elections in Nepal, our Prime Minister had conveyed his congratulations, and he also spoke to the Prime Minister of Nepal, conveying our steadfast commitment to building upon the strong India-Nepal friendship and traditional ties that we have. Post that, we also had External Affairs Minister … he had a conversation, bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Nepal, His Excellency Mr. Shishir Khanal. This happened in Mauritius. Both sides now, at various levels, are working closely to further deepen our partnership. We have received, as I said earlier, an invitation from the Nepali side for our Foreign Secretary to visit Nepal. Dates for a visit will be finalized as per the mutual convenience of the two sides, and we will keep you posted of these developments.

Ayushi, your question was BRICS Foreign Ministers. Several foreign ministers from BRICS countries will be participating. Some of them I think will be arriving this afternoon. And, as and when they arrive, we will come to know the participation. We will also be sending out putting out messages in that regard. On the question of joint statement, we will come back to you on this. We will let you know as things progress.

Yeshi, on Bangladesh. On Bangladesh, see, we have already indicated that we are taking this relationship in a positive direction. We had the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh visiting India some time back. And we also had a speaker join the celebration and the inauguration of the new government in Bangladesh. So that is the trajectory of this relationship with Bangladesh at present.

Huma, on BRICS membership. BRICS works on the basis of consensus. So, it is for the BRICS countries to decide as to what to do with membership. Recently partner countries' expansion happened in Kazan, if I am not wrong, and earlier in Johannesburg several other countries joined the BRICS group. So, it is something for the BRICS group to decide based on the kind of consensus that they develop among themselves.

Uma Shankar, Senior Independent Journalist: Uma Shankar, Senior Independent Journalist. Pradhan Mantri Modi ne abhi desh wasiyon se appeal kee hai ki woh petrol aur diesel ko kifayat se kharch kare. Aur kyu ki bharat ki yeh ghoshit neeti rahi hai ki desh ke hith mein, desh ki janata ke hith mein woh apne tel khareed policy ko nirdharit karata hai. Toh mera sawaal hai ki kya roussi tel khareed ko lekar koi naya ek policy hum adopt karne ja rahe sanctions ke baavjood rouss se tel khareedge kyuki desh ko iski zaroorat hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] The Prime Minister Modi has recently appealed to the people of the country to use petrol and diesel economically. Also, it has been India's stated policy that, in the interest of the country and its people, it determines its oil purchasing policy independently. So, my question is: regarding the purchase of Russian oil, are we going to adopt any new policy? Despite sanctions, will we continue purchasing Russian oil, because the country needs it?

Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak India Today: Sir, Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak India Today se. Pradhan Mantri Narendra Modi 5 deshon ki yatra pe jaane wale hai. Urza Suraksha is yatra ka kitna mahatpoorn bindu hoga, agar aap bata sake ki Urza suraksha ki muddon par kya kya isme hone wala hai? Aur isse jude doosre sawal hai ki Pradhan Mantri ne jaise austerity measures ka agrah kiya hai, videsh mantralay ki front par kya upay kiye ja rahe aur kifayat badane ke liye? Kya videsh mantralay mein kuch vishesh tayyariya ya kuch aur kadam uthaye jane wale hai?

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit five countries. If you could explain, how important will energy security be, as a focus point of this visit? What discussions or developments related to energy security are expected during it? And a related second question is: as the Prime Minister has urged austerity measures, what steps are being taken on the Ministry of External Affairs' front to increase efficiency and savings? Are there any special preparations or additional measures being planned by the Ministry of External Affairs?

Siddhant, WION: Sir, we saw a report saying that China supported Pakistan during Operation SINDOOR. There is a confirmation from the Chinese side that they supported. What is India's reaction? Also, a senator earlier today, Mr. Graham, talked about the nature of Pakistan questioning its mediation role between Iran and the USA. So, what was the reaction simply on that?

Madhurendra Kumar News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra, mein News Nation se. Ek high level visit ki taraf duniya ki nigah hai. Trump Xi Jinping se milne ke liye China daure pe jaa rahe hai. Aur is daure mein jis tarah ke delegation ko shamil kiya gaya uski baare mein jaankari jaari hai. Is visit ko bharat kaise dekh raha hai khaas taur pe tab jab America ke rishte jo hai jab woh China ke saath utar chadav bhare rahe hai. Aur bharat ke saath bhi uske rishte jo hai woh kaafi utar chadav se guzar rahe hai. Toh kaise Bharat isko read kar raha hai aur vartamaan Iran war ke parpekh mein bhi aap is ko kaise dekh rahe hai?

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Sir, Madhurendra from News Nation. The world is looking at a high-level meeting. President Trump is going on a visit to China to meet Xi Jinping. Information has also emerged about the kind of delegation that has been included in this visit. How does India view this visit, especially at a time when America's relations with China have been going through ups and downs? India's own relations with China have also seen considerable fluctuations. So, how is India reading this development? And how do you see this in the context of the current Iran war as well?

Jugal, BBC: Sir, Jugal from Collective Newsroom for the BBC. Sir some time back, you had given us an update about what manner of assistance India is providing to the neighborhood, whether it is in terms of fuel or fertilizer. Could you please update us on the present situation and if there is a change in posture with regards to that? Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, pehla, Uma Shankar, tel khareedne ki jo hamare neeti hai jo hamara drishtikon hai wahi hai jo pehle tha. Hum logone pehle bhi kahan hai, hum is bhaat ko phir se daurahoonga, halaki daurane ki zaroorat nahi hai ki jo bhi hamari neeti hai, jo bhi hamara drishti kon hai, woh hamare 140 crore bharatiya ke hith ko lekar hai. Aur uske saath saath tel hum bazaar mein kya stithi hai isko dekhte huye aur vaishvik kya stithi hai isko dekhte apna nirnay lete hai. Usme koi badalav nahi hai.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] So, first, Uma Shankar, regarding oil purchases, our policy and our approach remain the same as before. We have said this earlier as well, and I will repeat it again - although there is really no need to repeat it - that whatever our policy is, whatever our approach is, it is guided by the interests of 1.4 billion Indians. Along with that, we also take into account the situation in the oil market and make our decisions accordingly. There has been no change in that.

I have already said this on several occasions. Each time I don't want to repeat, but just to tell you that a broad approach to energy sourcing remains what it was, what I have said before. We take into account in this imperative, the need to meet the energy needs of 1.4 billion people as also the market conditions and global situation that is obtained. So, that remains, the national interest remains the underlying factor for sourcing for energy needs.

Pranay, paanch desh ki yatra ho rahi hai. Pehla padav Pradhan Mantri ka woh Sanyukt Arab Emirates ka hoga. Jaisa ki aap jaante hai Sanyukt Arab Emirates ke saath hamare bahuyame rishte hai, lekin usme Urja Suraksha bahut eham ek uska bhagya hai aur is daure ke dauran bi Urja Suraksha par baat cheet hogi jis prakar ka hamari unse sajhedari chal rahi hai kaise isko aur vyapak kiya jaye taaki hum apne jo Urja Suraksha hamari hai, usko hum mazboot kar sake, saath hi saath jo vyapar ke mudhdhe pe aur nivesh ke mudhdhe pe bhi kis prakaar ka sahyog ho sakta hai dono deshon ke beech mein aur kaise isko badhaya jaa sakta hai. Saath hi saath waha hamara samuday kaafi bada hai, 4.5 million maane paintalis lakh log rehte hai, unke hith ke liye, unke welfare ke liye bhi is par, in mudhdhe par bhi baat cheet hogi. Uske alawa jo chaar anya desh hai, Nordic Summit hone wala hai, Norway ki yatra hai, Sweden ke yatra hai, Italy ke yatra, Netherlands ki yatra hai. Yahan par ye desh mein aap ko pata jaise ki nawachar ke bahut bade kendra hai, innovation ecosystem mein Bharat mein bahut kaam ho raha hai aur clean energy technologies mein yeh log aur green transition mein kaafi aage hai.

Toh in sabhi mudhdhe par hamari baat cheet hogi aur dekha jaayega kis prakaar se woh sab sajhedaari jo viksit bharat ke aata hai usko kaise mazboot kiya jaayega, yeh is Pradhan Mantri ke daure ka ek mukhya aadhaar hai. Aur press release mein jiska hamne bataya hai in sab arthik mudhdon, technology ke mudhdhe par, innovation ke mudhdhe par aur Urja Suraksha ke mudhdhe par baat cheet hogi. Kal hamari ek vishesh press briefing rahegi is daure par, usme aap log aaye toh achcha rahega.

Jahan tak austerity measures ki baat ki hai, pure desh vaasiyon se aahwaan kiya pradhan mantri ne aur unhone kaha kis prakaar se hum log ek achche naagarik ke roop mein bachat kar sakte hai aur desh ko fayada kar sakte hai. Toh yeh mantralay ki baat nahi hai. Yeh toh poore poore bharat ki baat hai. Sab ko isme sanlagn ho ke saath milkar aage kaam karna chahiye.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Pranay, this five-nation visit is taking place. The Prime Minister's first stop will be the United Arab Emirates. As you know, India and the UAE share a multi-sectoral relationship, and energy security is a very important component of it. During this visit as well, discussions on energy security will take place on how our existing cooperation can be further expanded so that we can strengthen our energy security. At the same time, discussions will also focus on trade and investment, and how cooperation between the two countries can be enhanced. In addition, there is a very large Indian community there - around 4.5 million people - and their welfare and interests will also be discussed.

Beyond that, there are other four countries in the visit - Nordic summit, and visits to Norway, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands. As you know, these countries are strong hubs in innovation ecosystems, and India is also working significantly in clean energy technologies and the green transition. These issues will also be part of the discussions. Overall, the focus of this visit is on economic issues, technology, innovation, and energy security, and how these can be further strengthened in line with the vision of a developed India. There will also be a special press briefing on this visit tomorrow, and it would be good if you all attend it.

Regarding austerity measures, the Prime Minister has made an appeal to all citizens of the country and has said how, as responsible citizens, we can contribute and support the nation. So, this is not just a matter for the Ministry. This is a matter for the entire country. Everyone should come together and work collectively towards this.

Siddhant, your question on China. Yes, we have seen reports that corroborate what was known earlier, Operation SINDOOR was a precise, targeted, and calibrated response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam aimed at destroying state-sponsored terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan and at its behest. It is for nations to consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing.

Humne in reporton ko dekha hai aur yah unhi tathyo ki pushti karti hai jiske bare mein humein pehle se hi pata tha. Operation SINDOOR pehlgam mein hue aatanki hamale ka ek satik, lakshit aur napatula jawab tha. Iska uddesh un aatankvadi dhanchon ko nashta karna tha jo na keval Pakistani rajya dwara praayojit hai balki Pakistan se unke isharon par chalta hai. Abhi yeh un rashtron ko hi tay karna hai unpar hi nirbhar karta hai jo swayam isko zimmedaar maante hai ki woh is baat par, aatma chintan karein ki kya aatankavadi dhanche ko bachaane ke prayason ka samarthan karna unki pratishta aur vaishavik sakh ko prabhavit krta hai ya nahi.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] We have seen reports that corroborate what was known earlier, Operation SINDOOR was a precise, targeted, and calibrated response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam aimed at destroying state-sponsored terrorist infrastructure operating out of Pakistan and at its behest. It is for nations to consider themselves responsible to reflect whether supporting attempts to protect terrorist infrastructure affects their reputation and standing.

On the other comments, Siddhant, that you talked about, we have seen those reports. We have seen those comments.

Madhu, aapne baat ki Ameriki rashtrapati ki daure ki, Cheen ki. Dekhiye, hamare kyi deshon ke saath hamare rishte hai. Hamare antarrashtriye rishte kaafi mazboot hai. Kyi desho ke saath hamari sajhedari chal rahi hai, aage bad rahi hai aur deshon ke beech mein is prakar ka daura hota rehta hai aur jab bhi yeh daura hota hai toh usko hum log dekhte hain ki usme kya badlaav aaya hai ya kya usme gatividiyan hui.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, you spoke about the visit of the American President to China. Look, we have relations with several countries, and our international relations are quite strong. Our engagements with different countries continue to progress steadily, and such visits between nations keep taking place. Whenever such visits happen, we assess them to see what changes have taken place or what developments have occurred in those engagements.

Jugal, on neighborhood, yes, we have been supplying energy products to countries in the neighborhood. I don't have the facts right now with me, but I have spoken about it. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through the high-speed diesel friendship pipeline that we have. We also got some additional requests from Bangladesh, which we met, and we are meeting. We also been supplying energy products to Bhutan as per the existing arrangements, as also Nepal. As for the commercial arrangement, and the arrangement that we have presently with them, we have likewise supplied energy products to Sri Lanka. And there are some arrangements that are in the works right now with Mauritius as well. Also, I would like to inform you that we have received a request from Nepal for supply of fertilizers. This is being processed within the existing framework of cooperation.

Unidentified Speaker: (inaudible)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: No, no. We continue to support our neighboring countries with their supplies.

Krishna Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express: Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma Bharat Express se. Desh ki janata ek cheez ko leke bahut pareshan hai ki 40 dinon tak ka hamare paas oil aur fuel reserve hai, ab Prime Minister ne kaha bhi hai ki aap log iska sanyamit istemaal kare toh zyada achcha rahega. Mera sawal isme yeh hai ki Strait of Hormuz mein hamare abhi tak kitne vessels aur phasein hue hai?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, Krishna Mohan Sharma from Bharat Express. The public in the country is very worried about the fact that we have only about 40 days of oil and fuel reserves, and the Prime Minister has also said that people should use it judiciously. My question in this regard is: how many of our vessels are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz?

Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you, spokesperson. Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. it's been a little bit over two weeks since our sanctions waiver for Chabahar has been elapsed. I just wanted to check what is the status of that, and given that there will be Iranian representation at the BRICS Foreign Minister's meeting, and this may come up, what really is the update you can give us with regards to Chabahar in particular.

And the second question I have is on Mauritius and Maldives now for about 3 months Mauritius and Malaysia have snapped ties with one another over the Chagos Island dispute. We had the Mauritius Foreign Minister recently at the Indian Ocean dialogue. What's really India's take on this and how is it sort of talking to both Mauritius and Maldives on this issue? Thank you.

Smitha Sharma: Hi, good afternoon, Smitha Sharma. Just two follow ups. one in terms of the how challenging is it for India right now given that in the last round of the BRICS meeting also there was no consensus or an outcome document with the sharp differences emerging between UAE and Iran and perhaps also an Indian effort in, you know, as was reported a dilution of language on Israel and Palestine and B on Nepal while you said it will be held at a mutually convenient time but the Nepalese media has specifically reported that Mr. Balendra Shah did not offer time to meet. He has not been meeting foreign officials, and that it's also because of what's happened with Lipulekh. If you could confirm or deny please.

Kallol, The Hindu: Kallol from The Hindu, Sir, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh, Shama Obaed said yesterday that Bangladesh follows policy of zero tolerance for illegal immigration. And this was in the context of the dangerous routes that Bangladesh illegal immigrants follow for going to Europe. Do you think that policy of zero tolerance to illegal immigration on behalf of Bangladesh is something that the Tarique Rahman government should also follow when it comes to India? Because, we have been talking about it in the recent past, calling it a core issue in the India-Bangladesh relationship.

Gautam: Thank you, sir. Gautam Lahiri. As you have just now said that India wants to build up a relationship with Bangladesh, but you have seen that Bangladesh Foreign Minister went to China and offered the fiscal development project to China, actually overturning the earlier government decision. Do you think this kind of thing will help to build up a mutual trust so that the inclusion can be developed?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me come back. Krishna Mohan, pehla sawal aap ka tha kitne hamare jahaz hai? 11 jahaz Strait of hormuz se hamare aa gaye hai aur 13 jahaz waha par abhi hai hamare.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Krishna Mohan, the first question you asked was how many of our ships are there. Of the ships that were supposed to come through the Strait of Hormuz, 11 have already arrived, and thirteen ships of ours are still there.

Keshav, your question regarding Chabahar, let me say that this issue is under discussion with both Iran and the United States. Obviously, the current conflict is also a complicating factor. We will keep you posted of the situation as it evolves.

On Chagos, I need not repeat. You know our position on Chagos. And that is where we are. We support the sovereignty of Mauritius on this particular issue. And it is based on several considerations. I have already spoken about it. Smitha, on BRICS, whether there will be consensus, etc. The BRICS meeting is to happen on 14th and 15th. Obviously, it is something that we will keep you informed on the developments. So, let's wait for the Foreign Minister's meeting to happen.

The other question you had on Nepal. On Nepal, already spoken, you know, that we have received an invitation from Nepal. And the dates of this visit will be decided based on mutual convenience of both sides.

Kallol, on illegal immigration, look, we have, as I told you, this is a subject of conversation between India and Bangladesh. And, we have over the last several years, we have requested Bangladesh to verify the nationality of over 2,860 people whom we think are Bangladeshi nationals, and they are staying here in India. We are yet to get a response on this particular matter.

Then, we had a question from Gautam. See, as practitioners of international relations and as diplomats and here as officers in the Ministry of External Affairs, we closely follow all developments that happen around the world. And, we continue to do so in relation to the trip that you mentioned. Also, I would like to mention that India's relations with its neighboring countries stand on their own, keeping in view of our mutual interest. So, that is where it is.

Archis Mohan, Business Standard: Archis Mohan from Business Standard. Sir, I believe the Maldivian Foreign Minister will be in Delhi and he is slated to meet the CIM and EAM. Have there been fresh requests from the Maldivian Government in the context of its oil needs, and would it be possible to share some details on what the meetings might be about?

Manas, PTI: Manas from PTI. So, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to arrive in India on May 24. So, as India is preparing to host a Quad Foreign Ministerial meeting. So, what will be the main focus of the Quad foreign ministerial meeting? And, in your response to the question on China's support to Pakistan, you mentioned nations. So, are you also suggesting … Turkey and the countries which supported Pakistan during the operation?

Agni, ABP: Sir, Agni from ABP. Bengal's newly elected Chief Minister approved BSF land for India-Bangladesh border fencing. So, how do you assess this, and will it create an impact in Indo-Bangladesh diplomatic relations?

Saurav, Outlook India: Saurav from Outlook India here. Can we expect trade happening in rupees between India and UAE? And will this issue be discussed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Gulf country?

Kadambani Sharma, Independent Journalist: Kadambani Sharma, Independent Journalist. From different statements by different government officials, we understand that India is importing crude oil from almost 41 countries. Given the PM's statement about austerity measures, has there been any dip in these imports. Are we also exploring other options and are we also talking or exploring the option of some sanction relief on Russian oil?

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So, Archis, first your question regarding the visit of the Maldivian Foreign Minister. I do not know the details of the agenda as of now, but with Maldives we have collaboration across several fronts. We also have a strong development partnership. Several issues that form part of our mutual agenda will be discussed during the visit.

Manas, your question was regarding Quad Summit. We are the host for Quad Summit this year. As part of this, we have had several meetings at the technical level. We will also be having some high-level meetings, and we shall keep you informed of those meetings, as and when they are about to take place.

Your question was on China. I was referring to the reports that we saw. So, from that you can infer what I was talking about.

Agni, your question regarding border fencing, border security. Yes, border security is a priority for us and that is how we look at it.

Saurav, you had a question about trade in rupee. This is a question which we can take up tomorrow, whether it is part of the agenda or not. But, it is the third largest export partner for us. We have over $100 billion of trade now with UAE. We have close collaboration on fintech, on UPI, and several other aspects of finance as well. Whether we are going to start rupee - UAE Dirham trade or not, we can take this question tomorrow at the press briefing. Or also whether it is part of the agenda or not.

Kadambani, what I can tell you is, our policy as far as engaging partners across the world for sourcing energy needs, which I clarified earlier. In so far, whether we are buying oil from X country or Y country, whether there is a dip, those kind of technicalities, those information I don't have. This is something that Ministry of Petroleum will help you with.

Thank you very much. See you later.

New Delhi
May 12, 2026